City Close In on Ait-Nouri for Left-Back Reinforcement
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has identified Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rayan Ait-Nouri as his primary target to solve the club's long-standing left-back dilemma.
The Premier League champions have lacked a specialist left-back since Benjamin Mendy's departure in 2021, with various players including Oleksandr Zinchenko, João Cancelo, and Josko Gvardiol filling the position temporarily.
City's Left-Back Search
Guardiola's side has experimented with multiple solutions:
- Zinchenko and Cancelo played extended periods out of position
- Gvardiol adapted to the role despite being a natural center-back
- Academy graduate Nico O'Reilly featured in the position during last season's FA Cup final
The Algerian international has emerged as Guardiola's preferred solution, with negotiations currently underway. City aim to complete the transfer before June 10 to ensure Ait-Nouri's eligibility for the Club World Cup group stage.
Why Ait-Nouri Fits Guardiola's System
The 23-year-old demonstrated exceptional attacking qualities last season:
- Recorded 11 goal involvements - highest among Premier League defenders
- Created 46 chances (4th among defenders)
- Completed 63 successful dribbles (2nd among defenders)
Defensively, Ait-Nouri:
- Led all Premier League defenders in final third regains
- Improved significantly in one-on-one situations
- Shows versatility to play as traditional or inverted full-back
Expert Analysis: Ait-Nouri's Potential at City
Former Wolves coach Edu Rubio highlights the player's suitability:
"His technical ability in tight spaces makes him perfect for Guardiola's possession-based system. He can drive forward with pace to break defensive lines - exactly what City need."
Areas for improvement include:
- Decision-making in possession
- Increasing assist output
- Maintaining tempo in build-up play
With his combination of defensive solidity and attacking threat, Ait-Nouri represents an ideal long-term solution to City's left-back issues.
